Darktown Strutters' Ball
Sydney Lipton And His Orchestra Lyrics
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Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
Remember when you get there honey
Dance all over the floor
Dance all over my shoes
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
I'll be down to get you in a push cart honey
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
I mean don't be late
Be there when the band starts playin'
'Member when you get there honey
Shim sham wins them all
Dance all over my shoes
When the band plays the Jelly Roll's blues
Set 'em all alight
At the darktown strutters ball
The lyrics to Sydney Lipton And His Orchestra's song Darktown Strutters' Ball depict an invitation to a dance party in a lively and jovial tone. The singer requests their companion to be prepared at half-past eight in the evening and not be late for the event. The singer asks their companion to dance all over the floor and even on their shoes. They want their companion to enjoy themselves to the fullest, and when the band plays the Jelly Roll blues, they prompt them to light up the party by setting the dance floor ablaze with their moves.
The second stanza essentially repeats the first, with the only difference being that the singer intends to pick up their companion in a push cart instead of a taxi. The lyrics also mention the Shim Sham, a tap dance routine popularized in the 1930s and 40s. The lyrics of the Darktown Strutters' Ball reflect the exuberant and infectious atmosphere of the dance parties that were widespread during the early to mid-20th century among African American communities.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be down to get you in a taxi honey
I will arrive to pick you up in a taxi, my dear
Better be ready 'bout half past eight
Please be prepared at approximately 8:30 pm
I mean don't be late
It is important that you arrive on time
Be there when the band starts playin'
Make sure you are present when the musicians begin playing their instruments
Remember when you get there honey
Keep in mind, my dear, that when you arrive
Dance all over the floor
Please dance exuberantly throughout the venue
Dance all over my shoes
Feel free to dance even on my footwear
When the band plays the Jelly Roll blues
As soon as the musicians perform the Jelly Roll Blues tune
Set 'em all alight
Amp up the energy and enthusiasm of the other dancers
At the darktown strutters ball
This event is known as the Darktown Strutters Ball
I'll be down to get you in a push cart honey
I will arrive to pick you up in a push cart, my dear
Shim sham wins them all
The Shim Sham dance is highly regarded and will impress others
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: SHELTON BROOKS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Panachord
Always good to hear Sydney Lipton's recordings - always tasteful, elegant and stylish!
@salvatorerussotti5041
Sydney Lipton a gret orchestra. I had the pleasure to work there in the early 1960. and he was still conducting his orchestra a real band leader of his time
@ukindirestraits7900
My Mother told me she got up to sing with his band during WW2 at a NAAFI do and after hearing her sing he offered her a job there and then she was 23 at the time but her Father who was very strict would not allow her to go.
Was he quite famous in his day? She always told me she regretted it.
@mabel8179
Woah-- that was a missed opportunity! Thanks for sharing this anecdote.